Inside the headrail of every wood or faux wood blind is a series of drums or barrels that are fit around a rod. As you raise and lower your blind, the rod spins and the barrels collect the cords - preventing tangling and causing the blind to work properly.

Depending on the quality, and subsequent expected lifespan, of your wood or faux wood blind, the barrels will either be metal or plastic.

Our value line uses the best quality metal drums, and rods which helps the blinds to last for years. Our bargain brand uses plastic components, and as such, is only guaranteed for a year or two. These bargain blinds are less expensive, but come with an added repair or replacement cost. For short term or very gentle use, the bargain brand is adequate. For longer term, daily use, the value line makes more sense.

To bring this point home here is what our field experience has taught us. For instance, we have worked with customers who choose the bargain brand blinds, only to find that their blind gets stuck or are crooked going up or down. Also, we have serviced customers whose blinds were uneven, when locked in an up position. These problems were the direct result of the plastic barrels inside the headrail bending under the weight of the blind. Also, tilt mechanisms will often freeze - followed by the customer applying excessive force - thinking it will free up the blind - only to bend or break the tilt mechanism. We have experienced numerous blinds beyond warranty, where the cord failed to roll properly in the barrel, because the barrel bent or failed, simply because the barrel was made of plastic. We have not seen this problem nearly as much in blinds with metal barrels.

So, bottom line - unless you are flipping a house and don't really need a warranty beyond a year - or unless you are an apartment complex, who does not mind keeping their maintenance people busy with minor blind repairs, then consider the quality of the barrels and components inside your wood or faux wood blind when making your buying decision.